tech_genie
Member
- Joined
- 20 Sep 2012
- Messages
- 879
- Reaction score
- 697
I&B Ministry seeks TRAI views on channels run by cable operators
In the wake of the ongoing digitisation process, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has asked the telecom and broadcasting watchdog, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), for recommendations on issues relating to transmission of local channels operated by local cable operators (LCOs) and multi system operators (MSOs).
In 2008, TRAI had recommended that local cable operators should be permitted to transmit ground-based channels. But the Ministry feels that in the digitisation regime, only digital addressable signals can be carried.
It has, therefore, asked TRAI whether this calls for prescribing regulations on registration, eligibility requirements and definition of local and ground-based channels and area of operations.
It has also sought the regulator’s views on whether there is need to put a cap on the total number of ground channels that an MSO or cable operator can run.
The Ministry has asked TRAI to look into the need for a separate eligibility criteria for news channels operated by cable operators. Specific recommendations have been sought with regard to eligibility criteria, terms and conditions including foreign investment levels, net-worth criteria and requirement of security clearance.
“The intent of allowing cable operators to generate and transmit local programmes is to keep the local people informed of relevant local issues. However, this intent is not fulfilled when LCOs and MSOs start networking of the content to cover a larger geographical area.
“Given the present state of technological advancement, the tendency to network content at a larger geographical area has gained strength,” the Ministry said in a statement, adding that it had come across instances of cable operators looking to expand channel coverage across States.
Source: Business Line : Industry & Economy News : I&B Ministry seeks TRAI views on channels run by cable operators
In the wake of the ongoing digitisation process, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has asked the telecom and broadcasting watchdog, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), for recommendations on issues relating to transmission of local channels operated by local cable operators (LCOs) and multi system operators (MSOs).
In 2008, TRAI had recommended that local cable operators should be permitted to transmit ground-based channels. But the Ministry feels that in the digitisation regime, only digital addressable signals can be carried.
It has, therefore, asked TRAI whether this calls for prescribing regulations on registration, eligibility requirements and definition of local and ground-based channels and area of operations.
It has also sought the regulator’s views on whether there is need to put a cap on the total number of ground channels that an MSO or cable operator can run.
The Ministry has asked TRAI to look into the need for a separate eligibility criteria for news channels operated by cable operators. Specific recommendations have been sought with regard to eligibility criteria, terms and conditions including foreign investment levels, net-worth criteria and requirement of security clearance.
“The intent of allowing cable operators to generate and transmit local programmes is to keep the local people informed of relevant local issues. However, this intent is not fulfilled when LCOs and MSOs start networking of the content to cover a larger geographical area.
“Given the present state of technological advancement, the tendency to network content at a larger geographical area has gained strength,” the Ministry said in a statement, adding that it had come across instances of cable operators looking to expand channel coverage across States.
Source: Business Line : Industry & Economy News : I&B Ministry seeks TRAI views on channels run by cable operators
